Looks like I'm not the only one who appreciates Birdland. I played there in May and will be there again in September. Michael has created something really special, loved by musicians and jazz-lovers alike. It's a great community and I hope it's around for years to come!

Why is so much attention here on the high school contingent? Jazz is about life experience and soul expression and there are plenty of talented jazz musicians who never went to Berkeley High, who are a lot older that are overlooked for these "hot new kids on the block." I realize they may be the future of jazz, but one needs to look at movtivation- is it the media attention spurring them on or the music?

The current auditor, Brenda Roberts, has failed in her job as the city's primary watchdog and has severely mistreated her staff.

We Stand with Oakland and Forever Oakland - organizations led by East Bay business owners and die-hard fans - announced Tuesday that several prominent law firms have offered to aid their quest to prevent the Raiders' move to Vegas.